When our timber floors start looking tired, our first instinct is to polish them up or do a little bit of timber floor sanding. This can restore years of wear and bring back the floor’s original character. However, there comes a point where sanding becomes little more than a temporary patch, and the smarter investment is to replace the boards entirely. But when should we cross that line?
In this article, our team at Croydon Floors will provide a clear comparison to help you determine which approach is the better solution for your worn timber floors.
When Is Sanding the Better Option?
Timber floor sanding is often the first recommendation when floors begin to show visible wear. Some common signs include:
• Scratches and scuffing from daily foot traffic
• Dullness or discolouration from sunlight or worn finishes
• Light water marks that haven’t penetrated deeply
• Small gaps between boards that don’t indicate subfloor issues
When done correctly, sanding can strip away years of surface damage, revealing the natural beauty of the timber beneath. It also allows for a fresh coat of finish or stain, giving your floors an updated look without the need for full replacement.
However, sanding isn’t suitable for every situation, and it depends on a careful assessment of your floor’s condition, structure, and material.
How many times can you sand your timber floors?
The number of times a timber floor can be sanded depends on its original thickness and how much material was removed in previous sandings.
Most solid timber floors in Australia, particularly 19mm hardwood boards, can be sanded approximately 3 to 5 times over their lifespan. A standard professional sanding typically removes around 0.75 to 1mm of timber per pass. However, this can vary depending on the machinery used and the condition of the floor.
For engineered timber flooring, the allowable number of sandings is limited by the wear layer, the real timber surface bonded over a composite or plywood core. Floors with a wear layer of under 2mm are typically not suitable for sanding. However, those with a 4 – 6 mm layer can handle one to two sandings, provided the surface is in good condition.
When Is Replacement the Better Option?
While timber floor sanding can refresh worn surfaces and extend the life of your floors, there comes a point where restoration is no longer practical or even possible.
Here are the key circumstances where full floor replacement is the more appropriate and long-term solution.
1. The floor has reached the end of its sanding life
If the timber has already been sanded multiple times, the remaining wear layer may be too thin to tolerate another pass. Sanding floorboards that are already near the end of their lifespan and are already too thin can result in the following:
• Exposed nails or tongues, which not only look unsightly but also compromise structural integrity
• Uneven finishes, due to inconsistent wear across planks
• Splintering or delamination, particularly in engineered products
• Increased movement, as the floor becomes less stable underfoot
In some cases, the damage caused by sanding an overworked floor is irreversible, requiring full replacement anyway.
2. There are signs of structural damage
Sanding cannot fix structural damage. If the floor shows any of the following signs, further assessment is needed, and replacement may be the better long-term solution.
• Cupping or warping of boards, which sanding can’t correct and may exaggerate
• Deep stains (e.g., pet urine or water damage) that penetrate below the surface
• Loose or creaking boards, indicating issues with the subfloor or adhesives
• Large or unstable gaps between planks, especially if they shift with pressure
These signs point to deeper structural problems that sanding will not resolve and may even worsen. In such cases, full replacement not only improves appearance but restores safety and long-term performance.
3. The subfloor is damaged or outdated
The condition of the subfloor plays a critical role in the overall performance of your flooring system. In many older homes, the subfloor may be suffering from moisture retention, sagging joints, uneven surfaces, or uneven materials.
Replacing the floor gives you an opportunity to inspect and correct subfloor issues before installing new boards. It also enables upgrades such as acoustic underlays or thermal insulation, which are increasingly valuable in modern Australian homes.
4. UV damage and irregular fading
Timber flooring exposed to sunlight over time can fade unevenly, especially in areas covered by rugs, furniture, or heavy curtains. This leads to patchy colour differences that can be difficult to blend, even after sanding.
While sanding removes the surface layer, it doesn’t always erase deep-set oxidation or pigment loss in the timber, particularly in lighter species like Blackbutt or Tasmanian Oak.
In such cases, replacement becomes the better option. It allows for uniform timber selection and finishing across the entire space, without the unpredictability of how older boards will respond to sanding or staining.
5. You’re doing performance upgrades on your flooring
If your current floors are noisy, prone to movement, or no longer suited to high-traffic areas, sanding alone may not address these performance shortcomings. Replacing your flooring allows you to upgrade beyond the surface. This can be in the form of installing acoustic underlays for quieter living or improving insulation for better energy efficiency.
Cost Comparison: Timber Floor Sanding vs Replacement in Australia
In Australia, professional timber floor sanding generally costs between $30 to $60 per square metre, depending on the finish, the number of coats required, and whether any repairs are needed beforehand. This typically includes sanding back the surface, applying a new finish (such as polyurethane or water-based coatings), and minor gap-filling.
However, costs can rise significantly if the boards require extensive prep work like nail punching, replacement of damaged planks, or uneven levelling.
Replacing timber flooring is a more substantial investment, with costs ranging from $80 to $250+ per square metre, depending on the timber species, board width, finish, and whether you’re using solid or engineered timber. This cost also accounts for removing the existing floor, preparing the subfloor, and installing the new boards.
Environmental and Sustainability Factors
Sanding is inherently more sustainable in most cases because it extends the life of your existing timber without the need for new materials. It also typically produces less waste. The dust generated is minimal compared to the landfill contribution of removed boards, adhesives, and underlays.
However, there are also situations when timber floor replacement can be environmentally sound if approached consciously. For instance:
• Choosing FSC- or PEFC-certified timber ensures the new materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Opting for recycled timber or engineered boards with sustainably sourced cores can minimise resource depletion
• Replacing floors that are off-gassing due to old synthetic finishes or subfloor mould may actually improve indoor air quality and long-term health outcomes, indirectly supporting sustainability through healthier living environments.
Not Sure Whether to Sand or Replace? Talk to the Experts
Deciding between timber floor sanding and full replacement isn’t always straightforward. While both options have their place, the right choice depends on your floor’s condition, your renovation goals, and long-term performance needs.
If you’re still unsure, the team at Croydon Floors is here to help. With decades of experience in timber floor restoration and installation across Melbourne, we’re committed to giving honest, expert advice. Contact us now!
- By: Croydon Floors
- Category: Timber Sealing & Coating
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